2008 National GrandRally

Grandparents and caregivers use this opportunity to come together, share their stories, and raise awareness.

The GrandRally is an important opportunity to educate members of Congress and their staffs about the help these families need for their children. After the formal program, many caregivers met with their own Senators and Representatives to share facts about children being raised by relatives in their states and districts and urged them to find ways to support their effort to keep families together and children safe.

"We should not be asking grandparents raising grandchildren to choose between buying medicine for themselves and putting food on the table for their children," said Christine James-Brown, president and CEO of the Child Welfare League of America. "Congress must help assist these caregivers in gaining access to the services and supports they need to take care of their family."

Grandparents and other caregivers who were not able to attend are still being encouraged to make their voices heard by calling their Members of Congress and expressing their support for the many grandparents and other relatives raising children who have gathered on Capitol Hill.

"We need to make it easier—not more difficult—for grandparents and other relatives raising children to care for the ones they love. The GrandRally brought much needed attention to their plight and we hope Washington takes notice," said W. Lee Hammond, AARP President-Elect.